DiamondBuzz
The right time to Increase De Beers stake: Botswana’s mines minister
Botswana’s mines minister Bogolo Kenewendo says it’s “absolutely” the right time to discuss the government increasing its 15 per cent stake in De Beers.
She indicated that Anglo American, which owns the other 85 per cent of De Beers, was moving closer to an initial public offering (IPO) and that Botswana was pushing for a larger stake.
Anglo announced last week that it was likely to write down the value of De Beers from its current $7.6bn, as a result of persistent weak diamond demand, especially in China.
Botswana’s diamond, which accounts for over 70 per cent of the country’s export earnings, has been severely hit by the global slump in demand.
In the last nine months of 2024 Debswana – its 50/50 joint venture with De Beers it sold $1.53bn of rough, down 52 per cent on the same period in 2023.
DiamondBuzz
Botswana Says Stable Relationship With De Beers Vital to Diamond Recovery
Botswana Also Wanted to Move Further up the Diamond Value Chain, While Reducing its Economic Dependence on Diamonds Through Manufacturing, Energy, Agriculture, Tourism and Financial Services
Botswana Vice President and Finance Minister Ndaba Gaolathe said a stable relationship with De Beers was crucial to the recovery of the natural diamond market, warning that uncertainty over the partnership had created an opening for lab-grown diamonds.
Speaking at Chatham House on Sept. 17, Gaolathe said Botswana and De Beers had historically worked together during market downturns through rough-diamond stockpiling and marketing.
His comments come as Anglo American seeks to sell its 85% stake in De Beers. Botswana has signalled an interest in increasing its role in the diamond company.Gaolathe said, however, that Botswana’s ambitions went beyond simply increasing its ownership. After decades in the diamond industry, the country had developed expertise across the value chain,
Botswana currently owns 15% of De Beers, while Anglo American is seeking to sell its 85% stake. Botswana has indicated it wants a larger role but would not risk its finances simply to increase ownership, Gaolathe said.
He said Botswana also wanted to move further up the diamond value chain, while reducing its economic dependence on diamonds through manufacturing, energy, agriculture, tourism and financial services.
Botswana Says Stable Relationship With De Beers Vital to Diamond Recovery
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